Tuesday, March 8, 2016

The Inner Views of The Benham Brothers

"And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, 
saying that there is another king, one Jesus."
Acts 17:10
(KJV)

Praise God for Jason and the men in the early church who
"turned the world upside down"!
These men were willing to go against the cultural tide of their day.
They were not afraid to do "contrary to the decrees of Caesar", when the decrees of Caesar were contrary to the law of Almighty God.
They loudly and unashamedly proclaimed "that there is another King"...
one called Jesus!

And, praise God for a modern day Jason and his twin brother, David, 
who are standing firm against the cultural tide of our day,
who are willing to step out of complacency and face their own Goliaths,
armed with the truth that the battle is the Lord's.

We first heard Jason and David's incredible testimony last September at a conference where I was a part of Concerned Women for America's prayer team.
On a recent Thursday evening, we were once again blessed to hear them speak,
while attending another function on behalf of CWA.
Imagine how blessed we felt when God orchestrated a way for us to meet them personally
before the event began!
To God be the glory.


It is with great respect that I present to you the
of Identical Twins, David and Jason,
The Benham Brothers.

Cheryl:  Can you give us a little information about your background? 

David & Jason:  We grew up as preacher’s kids in Dallas, TX.  Our lives consisted of school, sports, and Sunday school.  At age 12 we started our first company - a small landscape company that grew to about 25 accounts before we went to college.  Our dream was always to play pro baseball, and after graduating from Liberty University, God gave us that opportunity in the late 90’s.  Although we never made it to the Big Leagues, we did play professionally, which was a dream come true. 

Cheryl:  When did you first become a Christian? What life events led up to your decision to follow Jesus, and how has that choice impacted your lives?

Jason & David:  Both of us were 12 when we got saved.  Jason was at a chapel service at our Christian school, and David was at a Christian youth camp.  From that day forward, we committed to reading the Bible every day.  We were little hellions for a while, but in time we began to grow and mature in our faith.  We were two of the most ambitious and rambunctious kids you could meet, so growing in Christ is all we needed for God to harness our strength for development and not destruction. 

Cheryl:  Will you kindly share your story with us about HGTV’s “Flip It Forward”? How did the show come about? Why was it suddenly cancelled? How has this whole situation changed your lives and ministry? 

David & Jason:  After our time in pro ball we moved our families to Charlotte, NC and started a real estate company.  From small beginnings in 2003, we grew to 100 offices in 35 states by 2010.  From there, we began to create other companies and non-profits as our entrepreneurial spirits were on hyper-drive.  We were approached by a production company in 2012 to do a reality show, and, after signing a straight-to-series contract with HGTV, we landed in the midst of a media firestorm as we refused to be silent about our faith. 

It started when HGTV announced the show and started airing commercials.  At that time a few activist groups began putting intense pressure on HG to cancel the show because of our “extreme” beliefs, such as being pro-life, believing in traditional marriage, and that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.  HG wanted to stick with us, as they already knew all of our beliefs prior to signing us, but as the pressure mounted they let us go.  But we know that whatever the devil meant for evil God means for good, and we have since been traveling the country using this platform to proclaim the truth that Jesus is the answer to all of our nation’s problems.

Cheryl:  What would you say are the most pressing issues in the cultural battlegrounds of our day? What are the biggest threats to our religious liberties?

Jason & David:  The darkness in our culture today manifests in three specific areas - the termination of life (abortion), the redefinition of marriage, and the rise of militant Islam.  But God has not called us to be issues-fighters - He’s called us to be kingdom-advancers.  This means we lead with the Gospel because the truth is what sets people free. 

The biggest threat to our religious liberty today is the silence of the church.  By our silence, we give our affirmation.  When Christians stand for truth it provides liberty for everyone - including Muslims, Atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, those with no religion - EVERYONE! 

Cheryl:  As Christian parents, Kevin and I are doing our utmost to raise a son who will stand up for Jesus and live a life that glorifies Him. What advice can you offer to those of us who are endeavoring to raise Godly children in a society that is increasingly hostile toward the God we serve? How can we lay that impenetrable foundation that will enable them to stand in spite of opposition, and even possible persecution? When we heard your testimony at the TNG Conference in September, you shared about your Dad and the way you were raised and how he instilled Godly values into your lives. Would you care to share any of those experiences here as encouragement to Christian parents?

David & Jason:  We’re in it with you.  We have young kids as well.  The one thing our dad did that has made a lasting impression on us is that he raised us to be warriors.  He taught us from the outset that we are in a spiritual battle and that God uses people to accomplish His will on the earth.  We learned that while we’re here on the earth we are a part of the church militant, which means we have to be engaged in the spiritual battle that rages in the earth, not just culturally, but personally as well.  So, if Christians are made to be fighters and they aren’t fighting, they won't experience the fullness of God in their lives. 

Cheryl:  It was such a dear blessing to meet the two of you and hear you speak on Thursday night. One of the most moving parts of your speech and one that has most vividly lingered in our minds is when you spoke of the contrasted effects the wind has on a candle versus embers, and you applied those thoughts to the Holy Spirit. Will you share those thoughts with us here? 

Jason & David:  Knowing we are the light of the world, if we view our light as a little candle then the winds of culture can easily blow it out.  But if we see ourselves as burning embers, like in a fire pit, then when the cultural winds blow it will actually ignite the fire in us.  The same wind that snuffs out the candle ignites the burning embers.  Spending time with Jesus, in His Word and prayer, is what it takes to kindle the fire of our faith.

Cheryl:  Your energy and enthusiasm for righteousness is so inspiring and contagious. What would you say to those who are discouraged in the fight against wrong? Is there still hope to turn things around? How do the two of you remain enthusiastic, zealous, and so completely “on fire” for God?

David & Jason:  This is a great time to be alive!  God knew how dark it would get at this time, and He created each one of us to be here now for this very hour.  If we keep our focus on God, our faith will replace fear because with God all things are possible!

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you, your wives, and your families? Are there specific needs you would like us to lift to the Father during this current season of your lives and ministry?

Jason & David:  Just pray our kids grow to love Jesus with all their hearts - that’s by far the most important thing in our lives right now.  As we travel we aren’t home as much as we’d like, so please pray for the spiritual growth of our children. 

Cheryl:  In closing, will you share the Word of God with us? What are some of your favorite Scriptures and/or what is God laying upon your hearts to speak to us here?

David & Jason:  Jason’s favorite passage is Mark 14:50 - “Then they all deserted Him and fled.”  I put this on my baseball glove in pro ball because it was a constant reminder that I’m not better in possibility than the worst deserter is in actuality.  This tends to keep me humble. David’s is Ephesians 6:10, “Finally brothers, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” We need to be strong in these last days!

A BIG thank you to you, Jason & David, for taking the time to answer our questions
and grant us this interview!
What a blessing you are to all of us!
We are forever grateful to both of you.
Most of all, thank you both for standing firm,
for being the examples we need and long to see in these perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5),
for taking a lead, front line position on the battlegrounds of this fight for faith and religious liberty.
Thank you for valuing the approval of God 
more than the praise of men,
for not taking the easy way out,
for refusing the bait of fame if it required you to compromise your convictions,
and for making the decision to follow Jesus, whatever the cost.

You may order The Benham Brothers' book called "Whatever The Cost",
view 19 chapter videos, and download a free study guide by clicking HERE.
To sign up for their blog emails, click HERE.

 Zach with The Benham Brothers

If you are ever able to go see The Benham Brothers in person

and hear them give a complete account of their testimony and all God has brought them through,
I encourage you to do whatever you need to do to get there.
Their passion for God and love for Jesus Christ will challenge you and inspire you to draw closer to Him and seek Him as to how you, too, can rise up as a warrior in the army of God.



To read previous

42 comments:

  1. What a great innerview of these two amazing brothers. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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    1. Thank you so much for reading, sweet Hazel! God bless you abundantly. :)

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  2. Thanks for sharing this interview. It's great that they are so willing to stand up and speak out and I love this focus: "God has not called us to be issues-fighters - He’s called us to be kingdom-advancers. This means we lead with the Gospel because the truth is what sets people free." Inspiring post.

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    1. Thank you ever so much, Carly! I so appreciated your visit and kind comments and enjoyed visiting your blog, also. :) God bless you!

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  3. I tried commenting a minute ago and it seemed to disappear, but sorry if you get both. This is a great interview- very inspiring to see people who are willing to stand up and speak out even if it's not always popular, and I like their focus: "God has not called us to be issues-fighters - He’s called us to be kingdom-advancers. This means we lead with the Gospel because the truth is what sets people free". Thanks for sharing!

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    1. No problem, Carly! Have a blessed day, and thank you again for your sweet visit!

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  4. Thank you for yet another "Inner Views". God bless you and yours for all your hard work.

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    1. God bless you, too, Victor! Your visits and kind words are always appreciated!

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  5. really enjoyed this innerview.

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    1. I'm so happy to know that you enjoyed reading, Denise. God bless you!

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  6. I love the Benham brothers and their boldness to stand up for the truth even when it means laying down lifelong dreams, their concern with the condition of hearts and God's mission all across our nation. I heard them speak at a conference last spring and immediately read their book which challenged my thinking in so many ways. One of the best books I've ever read! Thank you for sharing this interview, Mrs. Cheryl!

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    1. That is wonderful, Hannah! Thank you so much for your sweet visit and encouragement! God bless you abundantly!

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  7. Thank you for this interview Cheryl. I think the part that will stick with me most is the word picture of the candlelight and the embers. This was a very inspiring interview.
    Blessings, Betsy

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    1. That part really hit a nerve with me, too, Betsy! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting! You are always such a blessing to me. God bless you and your family in a special way. :)

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  8. Cheryl...Thank you for sharing that interview. I had read about the Benham brothers before but it was nice to read more about their faith in Jesus. So glad you shared this at Monday's Musings. Have a wonderful week my friend. :-)

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    1. Thank you so much, Naomi! So thankful to see that you stopped by and left such sweet encouragement here. :) God bless you!!

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  9. Hi Cheryl! What incredible witnesses for the faith! I LOVE that they are so openly pro-life and pro-Jesus. They put themselves out there and were willing to stick with faith even though it cost them dearly. Wow!
    The photo of them with your son is so precious! Zach is grinning from ear to ear!
    Hannah mentions a book they wrote? I'll have to look that up.

    Blessings on your Tuesday!
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you so much for your visit, Ceil! The link to The Benham Brothers' book is in the post above. :) I hope you can find it and will be able to order it! YES, Zach was just a bit excited to meet them that night...they are two of his heroes!! He was absolutely thrilled that they took the time to talk to him, and they signed his prayer book, too. I am so thankful God allowed him to experience such joy and blessing! Thank you ever so much for your encouragement and sweet visit! God bless you abundantly!

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  10. Such an encouragement and thank you for sharing it Cheryl! Praise God for men who are standing up and being counted as on the Lords' Side no matter the cost!

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    1. Yes, amen, and amen!!! So thankful it was an encouragement to you! God bless you, Christine!

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  11. This is so interesting to me. I've never seen the show and I'm assuming that it's on cable? which we don't have...Anyway, it goes right along with my reading about the early Christians as I've been reading their prayers. Today true followers of Christ are going to find themselves up against the state, possibly even family, their employers, etc. for living by their convictions. The book I'm reading is, 'Early Christian Prayers.' It is a reminder of what real persecution is like and of the brave souls who faced torture and death for following Jesus. Their main concern was that they wanted to stay faithful to the end. Such an example for us all.

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    1. Thank you so much for your visit! Yes, I believe it was on cable...it was on HGTV. We don't have cable in our home, either, so I am not positive. You are so right about what you said, and it is such a blessing to see men and women of God stand firm for what they believe, even when it costs them. You would love the Benham Brothers book...there is a link above to order it, in case you are interested. God bless you!! I am so thankful for your visit!

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  12. What as awesome interview! I'm not a huge HGTV person so I'm not super familiar with them but from this I have so deep respect for them. How cool to meet them and share this!

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    1. I have deep respect for these brothers, too. God bless them as they continue to carry the torch of truth into this generation and train their children to be warriors in theirs. So thankful for your visit Rhiannon. God bless you!

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  13. Lord Jesus, I am grateful for the Brothers; make me glowing embers for your Kingdom.
    Thanks Cheryl for posting.

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    1. Amen, and amen, sweet friend! Thank you for reading, for visiting, and for commenting! You are a blessing to me!

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  14. I love the illustration of the contrast of how the wind affects a small candle flame and burning embers. May we all be the "burning embers" so that we can stand firm in our convictions to follow Christ at all costs. Thanks for sharing this interveiw and parts of their testimony. Blessings to you! I'm visiting from #CoffeeForYourHeart.

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    1. Yes, Gayl, and amen! I love that illustration, too...it really stuck with me. I am so thankful to meet you and so happy to have you stop by and comment! I will be visiting you soon! God bless you!!

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  15. Cheryl, So many wonderful truths throughout this inner view! What an encouragement both of there testimonies has been to me!

    I was especially taken by the statement, "But God has not called us to be issues-fighters - He’s called us to be kingdom-advancers. This means we lead with the Gospel because the truth is what sets people free." This statement convicted me and spurred me on to keep on in sharing the Gospel.

    I LOVED the candle and ember analogy! Wow! How perfect for these times we live in! I really loved how they showed what a privilege it is to be walking this Earth even in the midst of all the worldliness because God chose us to be here at this exact time. O that I would step up to the calling God has placed on my life for such a time as this!

    Cheryl, these inner views are always so incredibly edifying. Thank you for bringing to light all of these precious lights of Christ.

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    1. Oh, Karen! Thank you ever so much for your dear, sweet visit and comments. It always blesses me so much when you stop by! I am ever thankful for your precious friendship and encouragement on this blogging journey. Sending you much love and gratitude. :)

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  16. What an inspiration these brothers are! I had never heard of them before, but I am so thankful to have been introduced to such wonderful Christian men through your Inner Views! Hearing about their faith and convictions is a wonderful testimony to the truth, and I'm so thankful that they are continuing on to share the light of the gospel, despite being taken off the cable tv program. Zac looked so happy to be there with them in the picture, what a joyful thing for him to have them sign his prayer book, and to meet them in person, and such godly men for him to have met. Thank you again dear Cheryl for all you do to share the stories of people who are doing all they can to further the kingdom of the Lord! May the Lord bless you richly today dear friend!!!

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    1. I am SO thankful you enjoyed the interview! It was a joy to have them share their story here. Yes, Zach was extremely thrilled to meet them...they are two of his heroes, that's for sure. :) May the dear Lord bless you, too, sweet friend. Sending you love and hugs across the miles!

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  17. Really cool to learn all this! Go Benham families for sticking with the Lord. His way truly is the best way!!

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    1. It absolutely is the best way, no doubt about it. Thank you for stopping by, Bethany!

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  18. What a great interview with a great couple of young men! So encouraging to see others stand up for Truth in this increasingly spineless world. People of God are strong because He is strong! Thanks for the reminder!

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    1. I love the way you put that, Floyd...."this increasingly spineless world". Oh, that is so true! Thank you for stopping by and for your support and encouragement. God bless you and your family!

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  19. What a great interview! You did a great job of allowing them to express their hearts and promote their new book, "Whatever the Cost." I have a new book, "Name Above All Names: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ," available on Amazon. Here is a link to my blog page which describes it: http://bethwillismiller.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_2.html I would be happy to send you a copy, if you would consider interviewing me for one of your "Inner Views." Many blessings to you!

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    1. Hello, Beth! So happy you stopped by...I am thankful you enjoyed the Benham Brothers interview. Your book sounds real good. I would be happy to read it for review, and we can both pray for God's will concerning the interview. How does that sound? God bless you!!

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  20. Wow! You've been blessed with some great Inner Views here on your blog! It was such a great idea! I enjoyed this one and all the others I have had a chance to read.
    God bless.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Chris! I hope all is well with you and your family. :) I am grateful that you are enjoying the Inner Views. God is good! May He bless you, my friend.

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  21. Love this!! I can't believe the people you interview, and I love how you draw out the best stuff! These two brothers are amazing, and I love their story. They are inspiring men of character, with deep convictions and strong faith! What we need so much more of these days, huh?!

    Thanks for this series. It's really so enjoyable.

    GOD BLESS!

    (And Zach, what can I say? Precious young man of God, standing so tall for His Lord...)

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words, Sharon. He is a real blessing to us, and He surely loves Jesus! I am glad you enjoyed the interview. God bless!

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